Thinking Sociologically (eBook)

ZYGMUNT BAUMAN was a world-renowned sociologist known for his ground-breaking work in social theory. His most recent publications included: Does the Richness of the Few Benefit Us All? (2013); Strangers at our Door (2016); Retrotopia (2017); and A Chronicle of Crisis: 2011-2016 (2017). TIM MAY is Professor of Social Science Methodology at the University of Sheffield, UK. His recent publications include: Reflexivity: The Essential Guide (2017); Cities and the Knowledge Economy: Promise, Politics and Possibilities (2018); and Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (5th edition, 2019).

Preface to the Second Edition ix

Preface to the Third Edition xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction: Crafting Sociological Lenses 1

Part I Action and Understanding in Everyday Life 13

1 Understanding Ourselves with and through Others 15

2 Sustaining Our Lives 27

3 Social Bonds: Speaking of "You" and "We" 41

Part II Choices, Contexts, and Challenges 55

4 Values, Power, and Choice 57

5 Gifts, Exchange, and Intimacy 77

6 Body, Sexuality, and Health 91

7 Space, Time, and Social Dynamics 105

8 Culture, Nature, and Territory 123

9 Consumption, Technology, and Lifestyle 143

Part III Retrospect and Prospect 159

10 Sociological Lenses: Retrospect and Prospect 161

Questions for Reflection and Further Reading 177

Index 187

"The new edition of this now classic text examines the contemporary issues that inform our values, how we see ourselves and each other and organise our societies. I would recommend it not just to sociologists and social scientists, but to anyone concerned to understand how we might conduct our lives in better ways."

-Professor Bev Skeggs, Director, Atlantic Fellows Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science

"Zygmunt Bauman was one of the great creative and insightful voices of modern sociology. His introduction to Sociological Thinking remains a wonderful and provocative introduction to seeing the world and personal life through a sociological lens. Tim May has done masterful work updating Bauman and adding insights of his own. There is no student of sociology who will not benefit from this book."

-Craig Calhoun, University Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University

The new edition of this now classic text examines the contemporary issues that inform our values, how we see ourselves and each other and organise our societies. I would recommend it not just to sociologists and social scientists, but to anyone concerned to understand how we might conduct our lives in better ways.

Professor Bev Skeggs, Director, Atlantic Fellows Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science.

Zygmunt Bauman was one of the great creative and insightful voices of modern sociology. His introduction to Sociological Thinking remains a wonderful and provocative introduction to seeing the world and personal life through a sociological lens. Tim May has done masterful work updating Bauman and adding insights of his own. There is no student of sociology who will not benefit from this book.

Craig Calhoun, University Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University